Match package



Dec. 13, 1938. B K R 2,140,241

MATCH PACKAGE Filed May 11, 1936 INVENTOR.

iraam L/nke/ BY Ja e;

ATTORNEY A Patented Dec. 13, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application May 11,

3 Claims.

The invention relates to match packages and particularly to the type known as book matches and now extensively used for advertising purposes. It has for one of its main objects to provide a package which instead of being tapered or wedge shape, as the package now commonly in use, will be of even thickness so as to facilitate its dispension from vending machines.

Another object is to so arrange the matches in the package that they will occupy a minimum amount of space so as to make the package as thin as possible. A still further object is to provide a match package which has a maximum amount of space for advertising, which may be conveniently handled, in which there is no danger of the matches being accidentally ignited when one is lit, and which can be manufactured and sold at a relatively low cost.

These and various other objects and advantages will be readily understood from the following description and from the accompanying drawing of preferred embodiments of the invention, in which, however, certain modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the drawing Fig. 1 is a plan view of a match package shown open and made in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 2 is an end view of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a plan view of a modified package likewise shown opened, and

Fig. 4 is an end view of Fig. 3. In Figs. 1 and 2, the cover is shown at H and sets of matches at E8 and I9. These matches l8 and [9 are formed integral with strips ISA and I9A respectively being attached to the cover at opposite sides of the fold line 24 by staples and 2|. In this case the sets of matches and strips are formed by cutting the cardboard in such a manner that the two sets of matches l8 and I9 and their respective strips are formed when the cardboard is separated. Enlarged openings 22 and 23 are preferably formed at the base of the matches where they join the strips so that, when the package is folded on the line 24, the heads of one row of matches will fit in the openings of the other row, thus producing a very flat package, as shown in Fig. 2.

In Fig. 3, the cover is shown at 25. In this instance pockets 26 and 21 are formed in strips 50 26A and 21A respectively attached integrally to the cover 25, the pockets being each arranged to hold a plurality of wooden matches 28 and 29. These matches are spaced apart and the heads are oppositely disposed as in the former case so 55 that when the cover is closed the matches will be interposed one between the other. This also provides a very flat package.

1936, Serial No. 79,079

From the foregoing it will be seen that the packages, when closed, are of an even thickness, thus particularly adapting them for being stacked in a vending machine. In the case of packages, such as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the size is preferably such that the package may be stacked with and dispensed from a vending machine together with a package of cigarettes. As suitable striking surfaces are on the opposite sides of the cover from that on which the matches are placed, there is no danger of accidentally igniting the matches when a single match is lit, no matter how the package is held by the user.

The strips 18A and 26A (Figures 1 and 3) are so located with respect to strips NBA and 21A that they do not increase the thickness of the package when the cover is folded for closing.

Having described the invention and its objects, what I claim as new and wish to protect by Letters Patent is:-

l. A. match package of the class described comprising a foldable cover, a set of matches on the inner side of the cover at one side of the fold with the heads thereof toward the upper edge of said cover, another set of matches on the cover at the opposite side of the fold, the heads of the matches being toward the lower edge of the cover, and the sets of matches being so disposed on said cover that the matches of one set interfit between the matches of the other set when the cover is folded for closing.

2. In a match package, in combination a foldable cover, a set of matches attached to the inner side of the cover with the heads thereof toward the upper edge, another set of matches attached on the inner side of the cover with the heads thereof towards the lower edge, both sets of matches being out from a single piece of material so that spaces are formed between the individual matches of each set, and the said sets of matches being located on the cover so that the matches of one set will fit into the spaces of the other set when the cover is folded for closing.

3. In a match package, in combination, a foldable cover, strips atached to the cover at opposite sides thereof and at opposite sides of the fold of the cover, a set of spaced matches associated with each strip and extending therefrom, the matches of one set extending toward one edge of the cover and the matches of the other set extending toward the opposite edge of the cover, and the matches of one set interfitting with the matches of the other set when the cover is folded to provide a closed flat package.

ABRAHAM B. LINKER. 

